New Moms Are Eating 'Lactation Cookies' to Produce More Milk

Lactation cookies have been a well-kept secret of breastfeeding mothers for a while now. On Pinterest and within mom groups on Facebook, women are buzzing about the yummy yet functional treats that work a little magic to help breastfeeding moms increase their milk supply. But what exactly are lactation cookies — and, more importantly, do lactation cookies actually work?

What are lactation cookies?

In a nutshell, lactation cookies are exactly what they sound like — baked goods filled with ingredients such as oats, fenugreek, flaxseed meal, and brewer's yeast, all of which are supposed to help with milk supply. Sounds impressive — but do they actually help?

"When used in conjunction with other methods, such as hydrating and ensuring you're eating enough, absolutely," Stephanie Middleberg, RD, founder of Middleberg Nutrition in New York City told Health.com. "Clean lactation cookies contain extremely nutritious ingredients for a nursing mother."

Booby Boons Lactation Cookies

Four years ago, Stork and Dove founder and mom-of-four Claudia Marion wanted to create an honest and functional mom-focused brand that would help moms just like her. While Marion was breastfeeding her youngest, she came up with her first idea — Booby Boons lactation cookies, which are made with a variety of ingredients including oat flakes and nutritional yeast.

What makes Booby Boons different than other lactation recipes you might see on Pinterest? For starters, Booby Boons lactation cookies are soy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, preservative-free, solvent-free, and non-GMO. Aside from helping increase a mom's milk supply, Booby Boons cookies make a tasty snack and are available in three flavors: Oatmeal Raisin, (Amazon), Cocoa Quinoa, (Amazon), and Chocolate Chip, (Amazon).

(Photo Credit: Stork and Dove)

Booby Boons cookies are made with a few key ingredients, including oat flakes and nutritional yeast.

How do lactation cookies work?

Oats contain a high concentration of saponins — an immune-boosting ingredient that occurs naturally in soybeans, peas, and yucca, among other things. Saponins have been found to increase the body's levels of prolactin, a key hormone for milk production.

What better way to increase breast milk supply than to munch on cookies all day? If you're not a cookie fan, however, other foods such as fruits and veggies that are high in phytoestrogens are a great way to kick start lactation. In fact, Middleberg claims filling your plate with dark leafy greens, sesame seeds, carrots, and other protein and fiber-packed foods will help.

"[The combo] helps the body recover and satisfies a ravenous appetite," Middleberg said. In addition to flaxseed, Middleberg recommends filling up on other healthy fats like avocado, eggs, nuts, and olive oil. "Fat is really essential for many reasons," she added. "It's vital to baby's organ and brain development, and your own metabolism."